Quality of Life After Endoscopic Surgical Management of Pituitary Adenomas

Frailty and pituitary surgery: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Frailty is a state of physiological vulnerability rendering patients susceptible to adverse perioperative outcomes after neurosurgery. The effect of frailty on surgical success and complication rates in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary surgery is unclear.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies that utilised validated metrics to report the effect of frailty on pituitary surgery were included.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies were included, comprising 124,989 patients. Frailty was exclusively assessed with cumulative deficit metrics, however there was significant heterogeneity in patient population, frailty definitions and assessment, and outcomes. Frail patients undergoing transsphenoidal surgery experienced higher rates of medical complications, resulting in longer hospital stays, greater hospitalisation costs, higher rates of unplanned readmission, more discharges to a destination other than home, and increased mortality. These outcomes directly correlated with increasing degrees of frailty. Surgical outcomes were not affected by frailty, with similar rates of biochemical remission, visual recovery, and improvement in quality of life.

CONCLUSION

Frailty is seen in a minority of patients undergoing pituitary surgery, but is an important indicator of perioperative risk. Frailty assessment should not be used as a reason to withhold surgery, but rather to predict and mitigate perioperative complications to improve outcomes in pituitary surgery.

Determinants of quality of life following resection of skull base tumors: a systematic review

Background

Skull base tumors represent a small subset of intracranial neoplasm. Due to their proximity to critical neurovascular structures, their resection often leads to morbidity. As a result, surgical interventions can exacerbate symptoms or cause new deficits, thereby impacting the patients' perceived quality of life (QoL). The factors influencing QoL in patients with skull base tumors remain underexplored. This systematic review aims to synthesize current research on QoL outcomes and identify potential factors influencing QoL in these patients.

Methods

A systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed using the keywords "Skull Base" AND "Quality of Life." A total of 815 studies published up to January 31, 2024, were screened. After abstract review, 656 studies were excluded, and 159 studies underwent full-text review. The wide variability in study methodologies and utilized QoL instruments made only a descriptive comparison possible.

Results

In total, 113 studies were systematically reviewed. Publications focusing on the same tumor type or localization were compared. The majority of studies addressed tumors of the anterior skull base, with pituitary adenomas, meningiomas and vestibular schwannomas being the most commonly represented. The impact of surgery on QoL is often underestimated by caregivers and has a more profound effect on patients than expected by surgeons. A transient decline in QoL after surgery was observed across almost all studies regardless of localization and entity. Factors influencing QoL included age, gender, tumor localization, surgical approach, tumor type, extent of resection, preoperative clinical status and neurological deficits. Radiotherapy and recurrent surgeries were predictors of poorer QoL. Early psychological intervention in complex tumors appears to enhance QoL. Some successful sealing techniques, such as nasoseptal flaps and lumbar drains, affected QoL. However, variability in study methodologies reduced the validity of the findings.

Conclusion

This review highlights the significant impact of skull base tumor surgery on patients' QoL. Given the major oncological and surgical challenges presented by skull base tumors, their treatment significantly affects QoL, and gross total resection (GTR) should not always be the primary goal. Additionally, recognizing and addressing the modifiable and non-modifiable factors influencing QoL is crucial for improving patient outcomes and providing personalized care.

Quality of life in non-functioning pituitary adenoma: A systematic review

Non-Functioning Pituitary Adenomas (pituitary neuroendocrine tumours) (NFPA) have a profound detrimental effect of patient-reported health-related quality of life (QOL). Elucidating the underlying mechanisms by which NFPA influence patients' emotional physical and psychosocial wellbeing would provide the foundation for therapeutic strategies to optimise patient outcomes. A systematic review of the literature was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies that utilised validated metrics to report QOL in NFPA were included. Patients with NFPA exhibit worse QOL than healthy controls across both mental and physical domains. Surgery provides significant improvements in QOL within 3 months, and QOL can normalise years after successful treatment. Compared with functioning adenomas, QOL is favourable. The underlying mechanisms for QOL detriment in NFPA is multifactorial and includes visual failure, hypopituitarism, headache, sleep dysfunction, pain, the sick role, treatment-related anxiety, and the morbidity of surgical and radiotherapy treatment. The effects of NFPA on QOL are global, with deficits in physical, psychosocial, and cognitive function. With successful treatment, QOL can return to that of the general population. Targeting hypopituitarism, sleep dysfunction, headache, pain, and disease-related anxiety are paths to improve QOL in NFPA.

Comparison of Sinonasal Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Uni-nostril and Bi-nostril Endoscopic Trans-sphenoidal Excision of Pituitary Adenomas: A Prospective Study

Background  Prospective studies comparing quality-of-life and olfaction in patients undergoing endoscopic uni-nostril versus bi-nostril trans-sphenoidal pituitary surgery have not been published. Methods  We prospectively compared olfaction and quality-of-life at baseline and at 3 to 6 months follow-up using the Anterior Skull Base Nasal Inventory-12 (ASK-12) questionnaire, composite olfaction score, and Lund-Kennedy Endoscopic Score (LKES) in 43 patients who underwent endoscopic excision of pituitary adenoma with either a uni-nostril (24 patients) or a bi-nostril (19 patients) approach. Results  Baseline data for both groups were comparable. In the uni-nostril group, ASK-12 and LKES scores were not significantly different at follow-up when compared with the preoperative scores. In the bi-nostril group, there was a significant postoperative worsening of ASK-12 scores (mean: 3.2 vs. 5.3; p  = 0.04) and the LKES (mean: 2.9 vs. 6.6; p  = 0.01). Composite olfaction score was not significantly affected postoperatively with either approach. Nasal complications were also more in the bi-nostril group (5/18, 27.8% vs. 1/23, 4.3%) but this was not statistically significant ( p  = 0.07). Conclusion  Both approaches preserve olfactory function but the uni-nostril approach is associated with better postoperative quality-of-life and endoscopic scores and subjective olfaction outcomes. At least in short term, the postoperative morbidity is higher in the bi-nostril approach compared with the uni-nostril approach. Although preference for a particular approach is related to a surgeon's preference, preoperative counselling of the patients regarding sinonasal morbidity is important.

Quality of life in Prolactinoma: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Prolactinomas are common tumours that significantly reduce quality-of-life (QOL) due to sellar mass effect, secondary hypogonadism, and the peripheral effects of prolactin. Understanding the factors that influence QOL would provide insights into therapeutic targets to optimise patient outcomes and improve wellbeing in prolactinoma.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement. Studies that reported patient QoL using validated metrics were included. Bias and methodological rigour were assessed using the MINORS criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 18 studies were identified studies were available for review, comprising 877 patients. Most were small cross-sectional studies at high risk of bias. Prolactinoma exhibit worse QOL than healthy controls, particularly mental and psychosocial wellbeing. QOL is also worse than patients with non-functional adenomas, but better than those with Cushing's disease and acromegaly. QOL correlates with prolactin levels, and approaches population baseline with prolonged biochemical control. Dopamine agonists and surgery both improve overall QOL, however improvements are more rapid with surgery.

CONCLUSION

Poor quality of life in prolactinoma is multifactorial, related to biochemical control, side effects of therapy, and sellar mass effect. Targeting persistent symptoms, reducing healthcare costs, and reducing side-effects of therapy are avenues to improving QOL in patients with prolactinoma.

Nasal Irrigation Improves the Nasal Related Quality of Life in Patients Undergoing Transsphenoidal Resection of Pituitary Adenoma

Background: After transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection patients have reduced olfactory function and quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of nasal irrigation on the nasal related quality of life in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection. Methods: Patients undergoing transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas in a tertiary hospital in China were included. The patients were randomly divided into a control group and nasal irrigation group according to the random sequence generated by the SPSS22.0 software. The 22-item sino-nasal outcome test (SNOT-22) was used to evaluate nasal related quality of life; lower SNOT-22 scores indicate a higher quality of life. The Toyota and Takagi (T&T) olfactometer test was used to evaluate the olfactory function of patients. Results: A total of 82 patients were finally included. The SNOT-22 scores of both groups after surgery were significantly higher than those before surgery (p < .05). The total SNOT-22 score of nasal irrigation group at one month (23.45 ± 3.72 vs. 27.48 ± 4.07) and three months (15.83 ± 2.86 vs. 21.82 ± 3.36) after surgery was lower than that in the control group (p < .05). There was no significant difference in olfactory function between the two groups at one month and three months after surgery (p > .05). The nasal mucosal score in the nasal irrigation group was significantly improved compared with the control group at one month and three months after surgery (p < .05). Conclusion: Nasal irrigation is associated with improved quality of life in patients undergoing transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resection compared with the control group.

Anterior-posterior diameter is a key driver of resectability and complications for pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension in endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery

BACKGROUND

As endoscopic transsphenoidal approaches are more routinely selected for progressively larger pituitary adenomas with parasellar extension, understanding potential anatomical factors that limit resection and contribute to complications is becoming increasingly important for tailoring a surgical approach. This study aimed to reevaluate existing predictive tools for resectability in pituitary adenomas specifically with suprasellar extension, and furthermore identify any additional measurable features that may be more useful in preoperative planning.

METHODS

A single-center retrospective chart review of adult patients who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension from 2015 to 2020 was performed. Preoperative MRIs were systematically assessed to assign a Knosp classification, a Zurich Pituitary Score (ZPS), and for dimensional measurements of the suprasellar aspect of the lesions. Univariate comparisons and multivariate regression models were employed to assess the influence of these factors on extent of resection and postoperative complications.

RESULTS

Of the 96 patients with suprasellar pituitary adenomas who underwent endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery, 74 patients (77%) had a gross total resection (GTR). Neither Knosp grade nor ZPS score, even when dichotomized, demonstrated an association with GTR (Knosp 3A-4 versus Knosp 0-2, p = 0.069; ZPS III-IV versus ZPS I-II, p = 0.079). Multivariate regression analysis identified suprasellar anterior-posterior tumor diameter (SSAP) as the only significant predictor of extent of resection in this cohort (OR 0.951, 95% CI 0.905-1.000, p = 0.048*). A higher SSAP also had the strongest association with intraoperative CSF leaks (p = 0.0012*) and an increased overall rate of postoperative complications (p = 0.002*). Further analysis of the regression model for GTR suggested an optimal cut point value for SSAP of 23.7 mm, above which predictability for failing to achieve GTR carried a sensitivity of 89% and a specificity of 41%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is unique in its examination of endoscopic transsphenoidal surgical outcomes for pituitary adenomas with suprasellar extension. Our findings suggest that previously established grading systems based on lateral extension into the cavernous sinus lose their predictive value in lesions with suprasellar extension and, more specifically, with increasing suprasellar anterior-posterior diameter.

Headache Improvement Following Endoscopic Resection of Pituitary Adenomas

BACKGROUND

Headache is a common symptom in patients with pituitary adenomas. Research on whether resection of pituitary adenomas via the endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) affects headaches is limited, and the pathophysiology of headaches associated with pituitary adenomas remains unclear. This study aimed to determine if resection of pituitary adenomas via the EEA improves headaches and investigate factors that may be associated with headaches in patients with pituitary adenoma.

METHODS

A prospectively collected database of 122 patients undergoing resection of pituitary adenoma via the EEA was analyzed. Patient-reported headache severity was collected prospectively using the Headache Impact Test (HIT-6) at preoperative baseline and 4 postoperative time points (3 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months).

RESULTS

Adenoma size and subtype, cavernous sinus invasion, and hormonal status were not associated with preoperative headache burden. In patients with preoperative headaches (HIT-6 score >36), significant decreases in HIT-6 score were observed postoperatively at 6 weeks (5.5-point improvement, 95% CI 1.27-9.78, P < 0.01), 3 months (3.6-point improvement, 95% CI 0.01-7.18, P < 0.05), and 6 months (7.5-point improvement, 95% CI 3.43-11.46, P < 0.01). The only factor associated with headache improvement was cavernous sinus invasion (P = 0.003). Adenoma size and subtype and hormonal status were not associated with postoperative headache burden.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection via the EEA is associated with significant improvement in headache-related impact on patient functioning from ≥6 weeks after surgery. Patients with cavernous sinus invasion are more likely to experience improvement in headaches. The mechanism of headaches associated with pituitary adenoma still requires clarification.

Surgery as first-line treatment for prolactinoma? Discussion of the literature and results of a consecutive series of surgically treated patients

Initial treatment for prolactinoma is usually conservative with dopamine agonists. However, the duration of treatment is often lifelong and can be associated with significant side effects. Surgical outcomes are usually favorable and treatment complications low, raising the question whether surgical therapy should be included earlier in the treatment of prolactinoma. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcome of surgical resection of prolactinomas at our institution, to compare it with other published surgical and conservative series and to discuss the role of surgery in modern prolactinoma therapy. The authors reviewed a database of single-center consecutively operated prolactinoma cases and analyzed the extent of resection (EOR), endocrinological and neurological outcomes, and complications. Thirty patients were analyzed. Mean patient age was 37.2 ± 15.5 years (range 16-76) and consisted of 17 (56.7%) females and 13 (43.3%) males. Twenty-one patients (70%) failed medical therapy, the main reasons being intolerable side effects in 11 cases (52.4%) and insufficient response in 10 cases (47.6%). Nine patients (30%) received no medical treatment prior to surgery, of which five (55.6%) were operated because of pituitary apoplexy, two (22.2%) because of acute visual deterioration and two (22.2%) refused medical treatment and opted for surgery as first-line treatment. Of the 30 operated tumors, 56.7% (n = 17) were microadenomas, 30% (n = 9) were macroadenomas (≥ 10 mm), and 13.3% (n = 4) were giant adenomas (≥ 40 mm). GTR was achieved in 75% (n = 21) of cases. The overall remission rate was 63.3%. MRI showed a residual tumor in seven patients (25%), typically with invasive growth. Postoperative CSF leaks did not occur. Mean follow-up was 34.9 ± 60.3 months (range 0-246 months). Endocrine remission was defined as a morning fasting basal PRL level of 22.3 < ng/mL and measured at the last available follow-up. Postoperative Prolactine levels were missing in three patients. Our analysis describes a highly selected sample with a disproportionate number of larger, invasive tumors and emergency cases. Nevertheless, the results are satisfactory and comparable with other published series. The consistently good results of transphenoidal surgery, especially for microprolactinomas, have led to a greater acceptance of surgery in the treatment of prolactinomas in recent years. The timing of surgery in each individual case must be determined by a multidisciplinary team to ensure the best possible outcome.

MRI for Cushing Disease: A Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

MR imaging is key in the diagnostic work-up of Cushing disease. The sensitivity of MR imaging in Cushing disease is not known nor is the prognostic significance of "MR imaging-negative" disease.

PURPOSE

Our aim was to determine the overall sensitivity and prognostic significance of MR imaging localization of Cushing disease.

DATA SOURCES

We performed a systematic review of the MEDLINE and PubMed databases for cohort studies reporting the sensitivity of MR imaging for the detection of adenomas in Cushing disease.

STUDY SELECTION

This study included 57 studies, comprising 5651 patients.

DATA ANALYSIS

Risk of bias was assessed using the methodological index for non-randomized studies criteria. Meta-analysis of proportions and pooled subgroup analysis were performed.

DATA SYNTHESIS

Overall sensitivity was 73.4% (95% CI, 68.8%-77.7%), and the sensitivity for microadenomas was 70.6% (66.2%-74.6%). There was a trend toward greater sensitivity in more recent studies and with the use of higher-field-strength scanners. Thinner-section acquisitions and gadolinium-enhanced imaging, particularly dynamic sequences, also increased the sensitivity. The use of FLAIR and newer 3D spoiled gradient-echo and FSE sequences, such as spoiled gradient-echo sequences and sampling perfection with application-optimized contrasts by using different flip angle evolutions, may further increase the sensitivity but appear complementary to standard 2D spin-echo sequences. MR imaging detection conferred a 2.63-fold (95% CI, 2.06-3.35-fold) increase in remission for microadenomas compared with MR imaging-negative Cushing disease.

LIMITATIONS

Pooled analysis is limited by heterogeneity among studies. We could not account for variation in image interpretation and tumor characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Detection on MR imaging improves the chances of curative resection of adenomas in Cushing disease. The evolution of MR imaging technology has improved the sensitivity for adenoma detection. Given the prognostic importance of MR imaging localization, further effort should be made to improve MR imaging protocols for Cushing disease.

Quality of life and surgical outcomes in incidental pituitary adenomas undergoing endoscopic endonasal resection

OBJECTIVE

Incidental, asymptomatic pituitary adenomas require nuanced, shared decision-making, which is limited by a poor understanding of their natural history and effects on quality of life (QOL). A greater understanding of the effects of surgery would inform evidence-based care.

METHODS

A multicenter review of consecutive pituitary adenomas resected via an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) between late 2016 and mid-2021 was performed, with prospective, longitudinal QOL assessment (at 3 and 6 weeks and at 3, 6, and 12 months) postoperatively using the 35-item Anterior Skull Base Questionnaire.

RESULTS

Of 366 adenomas resected during the study period, 52 (14.2%) were incidentally discovered, of which 51 (98.1%) were macroadenomas. Preoperative QOL in patients with these incidentalomas was better than in those with adenomas presenting with endocrinopathy (p < 0.01), visual failure (p = 0.02), or headache (p = 0.03). Surgery was performed due to visual field deficits (13.5%, n = 7); ophthalmoplegia (1.9%, n = 1); radiological compression or contact of the optic apparatus (63.5%, n = 33); functional status (growth hormone-secreting tumor) (5.8%, n = 3); and clinically significant growth (15.4%, n = 8). Surgical outcomes were excellent, with vision improved in 100% (7/7) and complete resection in 84.6% (44/52). There were 2 (3.8%) cases of new cortisol deficiency, 3 (5.8%) cases of transient postoperative diabetes insipidus, and 4 (7.7%) cases of postoperative hyponatremia. There were no perioperative complications and no cases of postoperative CSF leakage. QOL transiently decreased during the first 3 weeks after surgery, then improved to above baseline levels by 3 months (p = 0.03) and continued to improve throughout the first postoperative year (p = 0.03). All surgical indications demonstrated an overall mean improvement in QOL at 3 months. QOL benefits were not affected by age or tumor size.

CONCLUSIONS

Resection of pituitary adenomas via the EEA provided a tangible benefit for patients within 3 months. Surgery via the EEA is safe, effective, and beneficial for patients with pituitary incidentalomas meeting accepted criteria for intervention.

Prospective evaluation of multidimensional health-related quality of life after endoscopic endonasal surgery for pituitary adenomas using the endoscopic endonasal sinus and skull base surgery questionnaire

Objective

Social functioning is an important factor in the evaluation of postoperative health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for pituitary adenoma patients. In a prospective cohort study multidimensional HRQoL of non-functioning (NFA) and functioning (FA) pituitary adenoma patients were evaluated following endoscopic endonasal surgery using the endoscopic endonasal sinus and skull base surgery questionnaire (EES-Q).

Methods

Prospectively, 101 patients were included. The EES-Q was completed preoperatively and postoperatively (2 weeks, 3 months, 1 year). Sinonasal complaints were completed daily during the first week postoperatively. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared. A generalized estimating equation (uni- and multivariate) analysis was performed to identify significant HRQoL changes related to selected covariates.

Results

Two weeks postoperatively, physical (p < .05) and social (p < .05) HRQoL are worse and psychological (p < .05) HRQoL improved compared with preoperatively. Three months postoperatively, psychological HRQoL (p = .01) trended back to baseline and no differences in physical or social HRQoL were reported. One year postoperatively, psychological (p = .02) and social (p = .04) HRQoL improved while physical HRQoL remained stable. FA patients report a worse HRQoL preoperatively (social, p < .05) and 3 months postoperatively (social, p < .02 and psychological, p < .02). Sinonasal complaints peak in the first days postoperatively and gradually return to presurgical levels 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

The EES-Q provides meaningful information on multidimensional HRQoL to improve patient-centred health care. Social functioning remains the most difficult area in which to achieve improvements. Despite the relatively modest sample size, there is some indication that the FA group continues to show a downward trend (and thus improvement) even after 3 months, when most other parameters reach stability.

Level of evidence

Level II-B.

The HACKD Score-Predicting Extent of Resection of Pituitary Macroadenomas Through an Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach

BACKGROUND

Predicting extent of resection before pituitary surgery is imperative for operative planning and patient counseling. In the era of endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal surgery (EEA), a specific, reliable tool for predicting resection of macroadenomas would have widespread applications.

OBJECTIVE

To identify factors that predict resection of pituitary macroadenomas through the EEA.

METHODS

A prospectively maintained, multicenter database of 277 consecutive macroadenomas resected through the EEA was analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression identified predictors of gross total resection (GTR). A simple scoring system, the Hardy, Age, Clival, Knosp, Depth (HACKD) Score, was developed and tested.

RESULTS

GTR was achieved in 82.3% (228/277) of cases. Older than 50 years (odds ratio [OR] 2.96, P = .01), clival extension (OR 5.87, P < .01), Hardy grade C or D suprasellar extension (OR 3.91, P = .01), Knosp grade 3 or 4 cavernous sinus invasion (OR 7.62, P < .01), and tumor depth >20 mm (OR 5.14, P < .01) were all associated with subtotal resection. The HACKD score, awarding 1 point each for Hardy grade C or D, and older than 50 years, and 2 points each for clival extension, Knosp grades 3 or 4, and tumor depth >20 mm, demonstrated excellent discriminative ability (AUROC 0.887, 95% CI: 0.839-0.934). The rate of GTR progressively decreased with a higher HACKD score. Rates of GTR were 95.8% (182/190) for low (HACKD ≤2), 59.5% (44/74) for moderate (HACKD 3-5), and 15.4% (2/13) for high (HACKD 6+) HACKD scores.

CONCLUSION

The HACKD score is a simple and accurate tool based on the largest study analyzing predictors of GTR in pituitary macroadenomas operated through the EEA.

Moving toward a standardized diagnostic statement of pituitary adenoma using an information extraction model: a real-world study based on electronic medical records

PURPOSE

Diagnostic statements for pituitary adenomas (PAs) are complex and unstandardized. We aimed to determine the most commonly used elements contained in the statements and their combination patterns and variations in real-world clinical practice, with the ultimate goal of promoting standardized diagnostic recording and establishing an efficient element extraction process.

METHODS

Patient medical records from 2012 to 2020 that included PA among the first three diagnoses were included. After manually labeling the elements in the diagnostic texts, we obtained element types and training sets, according to which an information extraction model was constructed based on the word segmentation model "Jieba" to extract information contained in the remaining diagnostic texts.

RESULTS

A total of 576 different diagnostic statements from 4010 texts of 3770 medical records were enrolled in the analysis. The first ten diagnostic elements related to PA were histopathology, tumor location, endocrine status, tumor size, invasiveness, recurrence, diagnostic confirmation, Knosp grade, residual tumor, and refractoriness. The automated extraction model achieved F1-scores that reached 100% for all ten elements in the second round and 97.3-100.0% in the test set consisting of an additional 532 diagnostic texts. Tumor location, endocrine status, histopathology, and tumor size were the most commonly used elements, and diagnoses composed of the above elements were the most frequent. Endocrine status had the greatest expression variability, followed by Knosp grade. Among all the terms, the percentage of loss of tumor size was among the highest (21%). Among statements where the principal diagnoses were PAs, 18.6% did not have information on tumor size, while for those with other diagnoses, this percentage rose to 48% (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Standardization of the diagnostic statement for PAs is unsatisfactory in real-world clinical practice. This study could help standardize a structured pattern for PA diagnosis and establish a foundation for research-friendly, high-quality clinical information extraction.

Surgical outcomes and quality of life in Rathke's cleft cysts undergoing endoscopic transsphenoidal resection: a multicentre study and systematic review of the literature

OBJECTIVE

To establish the effect of endoscopic endonasal surgery (EES) on quality-of-life (QoL) in symptomatic Rathke cleft cyst (RCC).

METHODS

Analysis of 38 patients with RCC treated by EES, with regular overall (ASBQ-35) and sinonasal-specific (SNOT-22) QoL assessment during the first postoperative year. A systematic literature review of large case series was performed with pooled analysis.

RESULTS

In our series, mean age was 53.6 years with a female predominance (73.7%). Larger cysts were seen in males (p < 0.01), those with hypogonadism (p = 0.04), and visual dysfunction (p = 0.04). Complete normalisation of vision was seen in 83.3%. Persistence of visual dysfunction postoperatively was associated with diabetes (p = 0.005), hypertension (p = 0.02), suprasellar only location (p = 0.001), and monocular field cut (p = 0.02). Surgery did not significantly effect hormonal function. Sinonasal QoL transiently worsened after surgery, resolving within 3 weeks. A parallel transient worsening of overall QoL normalised by 6 weeks, and remained at preoperative baseline thereafter. These results were comparable to the literature, where 76.4% demonstrated improvement of vision and 13.1% had recurrence after treatment. There was no significant difference in outcomes between EES and microscopic approaches.

CONCLUSIONS

We report longitudinal QoL outcomes in RCC for the first time. Vision commonly improves with surgery, but endocrinopathy is likely to persist. Microvascular risk-factors may compromise visual improvement. Surgery causes a transient worsening of sinonasal symptoms that resolves within 3-6 weeks, but patients may not experience significant improvement in QoL within the first postoperative year.

Anatomic Variation for the Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Approach

Knowledge of anatomy and its variations is the key to safe and efficient surgery. The endoscopic endonasal route to the sella has evolved to become the preferred route to access a wide variety of diseases. We describe the skeletal, vascular, and neural anatomic variations that could be encountered from the nasal phase, through the sphenoid phase, to the sellar phase of the operative exposure. A preoperative checklist is also provided.

Predictors of visual and endocrine outcomes after endoscopic transsphenoidal surgery for pituitary adenomas

Surgery for pituitary adenoma is indicated for relief of mass effect and control of endocrinopathy. Setting benchmarks for visual and hormonal outcomes is important for monitoring performance of surgical centres, while understanding the preoperative factors that predict endocrine cure and visual improvement facilitates tailored counselling for patients prior to surgery. A prospective, consecutive cohort of surgically managed (endoscopic transsphenoidal) pituitary adenoma (n = 304) were analysed. Preoperative and postoperative endocrine and visual field assessments were performed and compared to demographic, imaging and pathological data. Larger adenomas tended to have preoperative endocrine deficiency (p < 0.001) and visual field defects (p < 0.001). The largest tumours did not experience normalisation of their endocrinopathy or visual fields with surgery. Of the adenomas with normal preoperative endocrine function, 92.0% (126/137) maintained this postoperatively; only 2 of the 11 patients with new hypopituitarism required long-term hormone replacement. Functional tumour cure was achieved in 65.2% (86/116) after surgery; 74.4% (32/43) of acromegalics and 70.0 (35/50) of Cushing's disease patients achieved hormonal control. All patients with isolated hyperprolactinaemia from stalk effect normalised with surgery, while only 15.9% (7/44) with hypopituitarism recovered normal endocrine function. New hypopituitarism was predicted by younger age and functional adenoma, particularly Cushing's disease. Resolution of endocrinopathy was less likely with reoperative cases and those with cavernous sinus invasion (Knosp grade > 2) or preoperative ophthalmoplegia. One-third of the cohort (102/304, 33.6%) had a preoperative field cut, most commonly an incomplete (51.0%) or complete (31.4%) bitemporal hemianopsia. Only two patients (2/304, 0.7%) had visual field worsening after surgery, while 71.6% (73/102) experienced partial or complete resolution of their field cut after surgery. Complete resolution of visual field defect was predicted by younger age and incomplete bitemporal hemianopsia. Surgery is a safe and effective therapy for pituitary adenomas. Nearly all patients experience improvement in visual fields, especially the young and those with incomplete bitemporal defects. Reoperative cases and those with cavernous sinus involvement (high Knosp grade/ophthalmoplegia) are less likely to have resolution of endocrinopathy. Visual worsening, new ophthalmoplegia or endocrinopathy were rare complications of surgery.